The University of North Florida Percussion hosted the Sympatico Percussion Group for Alumni Night. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni came together to enjoy performances focused on rhythm and collaboration.
The concert was a celebration of UNF Percussion’s creativity and an opportunity to honor UNF alumni and recognize percussionists who have shown dedication, musicianship, and community, according to the university’s events calendar.
Andrea Venet, the organizer of this event, directs the UNF Percussion Ensemble. Venet is an associate professor of percussion and head of the music department.
“In order to honor the past, present, and future of the UNF Percussion Department, Venet said, celebrating the past, present, and future is critical,” Venet said.
“Sympatico is one of the world’s renowned guest artists who work directly with our School of Music students. It is essential for them to gain exposure and grow as musicians through this aspect. This wouldn’t be possible without the music community’s support,” she said.
According to Sympatico Percussion Group’s website, the group creates engaging and exciting programs. These programs are filled with virtuosity and poignancy, and filled with appealing melodies and vibrant rhythms from all over the world.
Bella Pantfoeder, a member of the percussion club board at UNF, said it was a fantastic experience to attend the Sympatico Percussion concert at UNF.
“UNF’s percussion program is vibrant and filled with life. They have become a true home for me in music and family,” Pantfoeder said.
According to Venet, the concert was dedicated to the legacy of Charlotte Mabrey, who is credited as UNF’s first percussion professor and whose career spans almost three decades.
“With over 30 years of dedication to the program, Charlotte Mabrey has made a difference in the lives of alumni. A generous gift from Art and Wendy Billingslea was also celebrated by UNF’s percussion department,” Venet said.
“This gift will support Percussion Excellence at UNF to continue Charlotte’s legacy into the future,” Venet said.
According to the College of Arts and Sciences website, the percussion ensemble consists of undergraduates and graduate students majoring in percussion performance.
As part of their wide repertoire, the ensemble performs contemporary works, creative compositions, commissions, standard repertoire, modern arrangements, and world music, and consistently presents world premieres, giving them the opportunity to perform a variety of works from around the world.
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